Darlene Thornton

Funeral is 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport. Family to receive friends 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Rev. John Williams to officiate. Pallbearers include Joel Oliver, Ted Gillum, Mike Richard, James Gillum, Trevor Richard, Justin Oliver, and Tucker Oliver.

Darlene Thornton was born July 31, 1941 in Hico, Texas. Her parents, Jimmie and Audie Clark preceded her in their heavenly journey.

She married Harry "Buddy" Thornton on September 10, 1961. They had three children, Melinda Kay, Teresa Ann (deceased August 4, 2019), and Christie Janay. There are 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Immediately after getting married Darlene and Buddy drove to Huntsville, Texas. She went to work at the Texas Prison System and attended one year of college at Sam Houston State. After Buddy finished college they moved to Gustine, Texas. She became active in church, civic and social activities and was recognized as 1 of 10 “most outstanding homemakers” in Texas.

They moved to the Washington, DC area and both worked for the USOE in the National FFA office. Because of the environment, living conditions and less than friendly people, she was anxious to get back to Texas.

Upon their arrival in Austin, Texas, being a mother of three young girls, working outside the home was not a good option. Buddy build her a small store in a shopping mall. She was successful in growing this retail business to three additional locations selling fashion jewelry.

Being an ideal mother and always supporting the many business and investment activities her husband got involved in, to say she stayed busy is an understatement.

After the girls got married it was time for another adventure. She and Buddy moved to Wise County, Texas on Lake Bridgeport, next to a small ranch they had purchased. Being in the cattle business (she wanted a horse) Buddy bought her a donkey. It’s first name was Jack.

Darlene became acquainted with some ladies who were going to Senior Dances. She became hooked! They danced 3-5 times a week at local dances, bought an RV and expanded their dance territory to Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. Numerous and lasting friendships were established.

Traveling in a motorhome was comfortable and fun to Darlene. She loved the outdoor scenery and animals. Some of her favorite trips were to Alaska, Niagara Falls, and Fun Valley, Colorado. To incorporate a dance on scenic trips was always a possibility. In the winter she enjoyed staying in the Rio Grande Valley.

When it became impossible for her to live at home, Buddy would check her out of Bowie Rehab and take her dancing every Monday and Saturday night. She loved her God, family, and friends. If she couldn’t dance, she would be tapping her feet or hands to the beat of the music. When she hears music in heaven, she will be asking an angel, “Are they having a dance?”

As a teenager Darlene learned how to shoot a gun. Buddy was teaching her how to position and hold a shot gun. When she fired the recoil knocked her off the log she was sitting on. She never fired a shotgun again.

However, she was an expert with a rifle. While hunting in south Texas she was using Buddy’s 7mm mag. He had told her, “If you can see it, it’s in range.” If she didn’t hit her target it was because she didn’t pull the trigger. Buddy bought her a 270 so he could get his 7mm back. She shot it one time, missed her shot and said, “I’m getting my 7mm back.”

Darlene because very close to several couples we traveled with. She loved them like family. Buddy would refer to one special friend as her “little brother” and another as “one of your dance partners.” Both comments would produce a big beautiful smile. Their wives and Buddy never had an ounce of jealously.

The whole time she was in the Bowie Care Center she would show her appreciation for their care and attention. Whether it was a nurse, doctor or janitor she would say “Thank You.” As a result, she could not have received better care.

If so inclined, donations in Darlene's honor may be made to: Silver String's Dance and Entertainment Center, 500 N Smythe St, Bowie, Texas 76230.

Hawkins Funeral Home - Bridgeport

940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com